JD Vance's latest book, 'Communion,' explores his Catholic faith and reflects on past controversies, including his remarks about 'childless cat ladies.'
JD Vance, Vice President of the United States, has released his second book titled 'Communion,' which details his conversion to Catholicism while providing limited political insights regarding his time in the White House. The book, which is available in stores starting Tuesday, comes from a prominent author known for his debut work that spent over a year on the New York Times bestseller list and inspired a Netflix film directed by Ron Howard that received two Academy Award nominations.
In 'Communion,' Vance reflects on his faith journey, especially as American Catholics find themselves at a pivotal moment with Pope Francis, a Chicago native, leading a renewed interest in the faith. As Vance prepares for significant decisions about his political career, the book's release coincides with his role as a key negotiator in the Trump administration's agreement to conclude the war with Iran. To promote the book, Vance is scheduled to appear on ABC’s 'The View,' alongside various media engagements focusing on the Iran deal.
While Vance had the opportunity to delve into his political experiences and share behind-the-scenes narratives from his first year in the White House, he chose a more personal approach in 'Communion.' This narrative style resembles that of 'Hillbilly Elegy,' his acclaimed memoir, as he primarily centers on his spiritual journey rather than political drama or campaign insights.
One notable aspect of the book is Vance's reevaluation of his controversial 'childless cat ladies' comment made during his 2021 campaign for the U.S. Senate in Ohio. At that time, he characterized women without children as 'miserable' and suggested they were intent on making others miserable too. This statement became a point of contention for Democrats during the 2024 election cycle. In 'Communion,' Vance expresses regret for the remark, labeling it 'one of the dumbest things I ever said' and 'boneheaded.' He acknowledges it distracted from his primary argument about society's negative attitude towards childbearing.
Vance's perspective has evolved since he initially reacted defiantly to backlash over the comment. Shortly after becoming Trump's running mate, he told NBC’s 'Meet the Press' that he had numerous regrets but did not prioritize the joke among them. However, as the election neared, he admitted in a New York Times interview that the comment was 'dumb' and he wished he had articulated his thoughts differently. In 'Communion,' he reflects on his growth as a Christian leader, stating, 'It’s ok to admit error.'
The book also touches on the complexities of Vance's position as a high-ranking Catholic official in the U.S. government amid tensions between the Trump administration's immigration policies and the Vatican's stance. One of the few political anecdotes included in 'Communion' is Vance's visit to the Vatican in April 2025. During this trip, he met with Pope Francis, who had previously criticized Trump's immigration policies. Vance found the discussions with church officials disconcerting, not due to their criticism, but because they lacked directness regarding which policies they opposed. He noted that the Vatican seemed hesitant to express firm opinions, leading him to feel that they resorted to vague platitudes instead of meaningful discourse.
Vance detailed his brief Easter meeting with Pope Francis, who, despite being gravely ill, requested to see him after initially canceling their appointment. This encounter lasted about ten minutes and marked one of the last public visits before the pope's passing less than a day later. In his reflections, Vance expressed a preference for direct discussions over vague statements.
The book further explores the Republican Party's challenges in addressing abortion post-Roe v. Wade. Vance critiques the party's approach, which has frustrated some conservative activists seeking more stringent abortion regulations. He proposes a different strategy focused on enhancing the socioeconomic conditions for mothers and families to reduce the perceived need for abortion. He emphasizes that when raising children becomes burdensome to economic activity, the inclination to terminate pregnancies increases.
Vance cites the Ohio ballot referendum in 2023 that enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution as a lesson for Republicans, arguing that the outcome illustrates how women will resist efforts to eliminate what they perceive as their last option. He concludes that the Republican Party must adopt a stance that reflects Christian compassion in advocating for the unborn.
Additionally, Vance's book highlights the significant role his wife, Usha, plays in his life and political aspirations. He acknowledges her influence in guiding him back to Christianity after a period of atheism. Vance humorously notes the irony of his Hindu wife encouraging his reconnection with his faith, which enabled him to share his spiritual journey in writing.
In promoting 'Communion,' Vance has described Usha as his primary editor, noting her candid feedback. He also mentioned that she will influence his decision on whether to pursue a presidential campaign, a choice he has stated will be made after the midterm elections. Vance has shared that the couple has chosen to raise their children in the Catholic faith, allowing them to decide when to be baptized. They are currently expecting their fourth child this summer, and Vance credits the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk for inspiring a shift in their family planning outlook.
Vance recounts a poignant moment when Usha met with Kirk's widow, who expressed regret over having only two children. This encounter, he writes, changed Usha's perspective, leading to her pregnancy with their fourth child.
